Water Serpents II (1907) stands as one of Gustav Klimt's most alluring works from his 'Golden Period', showcasing his distinctive style of combining sensual female forms with ornate decorative elements. The painting depicts two women with flowing hair, entwined among water serpents, surrounded by a mesmerising array of patterns and golden embellishments. The composition's fluid lines and ethereal quality create a dreamlike atmosphere, while the rich colours and gold leaf application exemplify Klimt's mastery of decorative techniques.
This piece emerged during a transformative period in Klimt's career when he was exploring themes of feminine sexuality and natural forms. The Art Nouveau movement heavily influenced his work, as evidenced by the organic, sinuous lines and the fusion of realistic figures with abstract patterns. The water serpents symbolise both danger and sensuality, reflecting the era's complex attitudes towards female sexuality and nature's dual aspects of beauty and threat.
The painting's creation coincided with Vienna's cultural golden age, where Klimt was challenging conventional artistic boundaries. His unique approach of combining Byzantine-inspired golden surfaces with modern psychological themes revolutionised portrait painting. The work demonstrates his fascination with water spirits and mythology, themes he explored repeatedly throughout his career. The intense detail work, particularly in the decorative elements and the women's hair, showcases Klimt's painstaking attention to ornamental design, requiring months of careful application and layering techniques.
